Cathepsin C inhibitors

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are 4-amino-2-butenamides of Formula (I) having pharmacological activity, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods for the treatment of diseases mediated by the cathepsin C enzyme such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This application is a 371 of International Application No.PCT/US2012/024428, filed 9 Feb. 2012, which claims priority of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/441,840, filed 11 Feb. 2011, which areincorporated herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to certain 4-amino-2-butenamides that arecathepsin C inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions containing thesecompounds, and their use in the treatment of diseases mediated by thecathepsin C enzyme such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cathepsins are a family of enzymes included in the papain superfamily ofcysteine proteases. Cathepsins B, C, F, H, K, L, S, V, and X have beendescribed in the scientific literature. Cathepsin C is also known in theliterature as Dipeptidyl Peptidase I or “DPPI.”

A number of recently published studies have begun to describe the rolecathepsin C plays in certain inflammatory processes. See e.g. Adkison etal., The Journal of Clinical Investigation 109:363-371 (2002); Tran etal., Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics 403:160-170 (2002); Thieleet al., The Journal of Immunology 158: 5200-5210 (1997); Bidere et al.,The Journal of Biological Chemistry 277: 32339-32347 (2002); Mabee etal., The Journal of Immunology 160: 5880-5885; McGuire et al., TheJournal of Biological Chemistry, 268: 2458-2467; and Paris et al., FEBSLetters 369: 326-330 (1995). From these studies, it appears thatcathepsin C is co-expressed in granules with certain serine proteasesand functions to process the pro-forms of these proteases to activeforms, which are then released from the granules of inflammatory cellsrecruited to sites of inflammation. Once activated, these proteases havea number of functions including degradation of various extracellularmatrix components, which together can propagate tissue damage andchronic inflammation.

For example, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (“COPD”) is a chronicinflammatory disease where cathepsin C appears to play a role. Chronicbronchitis and emphysema usually occur together in COPD patients.Chronic bronchitis is generally characterized by a chronic productivecough, whereas emphysema is generally characterized by permanentenlargement of the airspaces distal to the terminal bronchioles andairway wall destruction.

Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for developing COPD.Exposure to cigarette smoke and other noxious particles and gases mayresult in chronic inflammation of the lung. In response to suchexposure, inflammatory cells such as CD8+ T cells, macrophages, andneutrophils are recruited to the area. These recruited inflammatorycells release proteases, which are believed to play a major role in thedisease etiology by a number of mechanisms. Proteases believed to beinvolved in this process include the serine proteases neutrophilelastase (“NE”), cathepsin G, and proteinase 3, all released fromneutrophils; granzymes A and B, released from cytotoxic T cells ornatural killer cells; and chymases, released from mast cells. CathepsinC appears to be involved in activating all of these enzymes.Additionally, cathepsin C knockout mice are resistant to lung airspaceenlargement and inflammatory cell infiltration in both cigarette smokeand ozone exposure models of COPD. See Guay et al., Current Topics inMedicinal Chemistry, 2010, 10, 708-716; See also Podolin et al. (2008),Inflammation Research, 57(Suppl 2) S104.

Rheumatoid arthritis (“RA”) is another chronic inflammatory diseasewhere cathepsin C may play a role. Neutrophils are recruited to the siteof joint inflammation and release cathepsin G, NE, and proteinase 3,which are believed to be responsible in part for cartilage destructionassociated with RA (Hu, Y. and Pham, C. T. (2005) Arthritis Rheum 52:2553-2558).

Other conditions where cathepsin C may play a role includeosteoarthritis, asthma, and Multiple Sclerosis. See e.g. Matsui, K.;Yuyama, N.; Akaiwa, M.; Yoshida, N. L.; Maeda, M.; Sugita, Y.; Izuhara,K., Identification of an alternative splicing variant of cathepsinC/dipeptidyl-peptidase I, Gene. 293(1-2):1-7, 2002 Jun. 26; Wolters, P.J.; Laig-Webster, M.; Caughey, G. H., Dipeptidyl peptidase I cleavesmatrix-associated proteins and is expressed mainly by mast cells innormal dog airways, American Journal of Respiratory Cell & MolecularBiology. 22(2):183-90, 2000.

One approach to treating these conditions is to inhibit the activity ofthe serine proteases involved in the inflammatory process, especially NEactivity. See e.g., Ohbayashi, “Neutrophil elastase inhibitors astreatment for COPD”, Expert Opin. Investig. Drugs 11(7): 965-980 (2002);Shapiro, “Neutrophil Elastase: Path Clearer, Pathogen Killer, or JustPathologic?”, Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 26: 266-268 (2002). Inlight of the role cathepsin C plays in activating certain serineproteases, especially NE, it is desirable to prepare compounds thatinhibit its activity, which thereby inhibit serine protease activity.Thus, there is a need to identify compounds that inhibit cathepsin C,which can be used in the treatment of a variety of conditions mediatedby cathepsin C.

There are additional activities of cathepsin C that may also be relatedto disease etiology. Cathepsin C has been demonstrated to have a role inneutrophil migration in the development of aortic aneurysms by amechanism which has not been clearly elucidated (Pagano, M. B. et al.(2007) PNAS 104: 2855-2860). Thus, disease processes that involveneutrophil migration, as well as proteolytic enzyme release can bemodulated by cathepsin C inhibition. Also, cathepsin C is highlyexpressed in the lung epithelium where it may play a role in theprocessing of other enzymes not yet identified. Cathepsin C has alsobeen reported to cleave kallikrein-4, which is believed to play a rolein dental enamel maturation (Tye, C. E. et al. (2009) J. Dental Res. 88:323-327). Finally, cathepsin C is itself released from cells and mayplay a direct role in the degradation of matrix proteins.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves novel compounds according to Formula (I)or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

wherein:

R¹ and R² are each independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₂-C₈)alkenyl, (C₂-C₈)alkynyl,(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, (C₅-C₈)cycloalkenyl, (C₆-C₁₀)bicycloalkyl,heterocycloalkyl, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₅-C₈)cycloalkenyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, heterocycloalkyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl,heteroaryl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, and heteroaryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl;

-   -   wherein any (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₂-C₈)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₈)alkynyl is        optionally substituted one to three times, independently, by        —CF₃, cyano, —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —CONH(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        —CON(C₁-C₄)alkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —SO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        —SO₂NH(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —SO₂N(C₁-C₄)alkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, amino,        (C₁-C₄)alkylamino, ((C₁-C₄)alkyl)((C₁-C₄)alkyl)amino, hydroxyl,        or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy;    -   and wherein any cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, bicycloalkyl, or        heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted one to three        times, independently, by (C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₄)haloalkyl, cyano,        —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —CONH(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        —CON(C₁-C₄)alkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —SO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        —SO₂NH(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —SO₂N(C₁-C₄)alkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, amino,        (C₁-C₄)alkylamino, ((C₁-C₄)alkyl)((C₁-C₄)alkyl)amino, hydroxyl,        (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, aryl, or aryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, wherein the aryl        moiety of said aryl or aryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl is optionally        substituted one to three times, independently, by halogen, —CF₃,        (C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl, or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy;    -   and wherein any aryl or heteroaryl group is optionally        substituted one to three times, independently, by halogen,        (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, (C₅-C₆)cycloalkenyl,        (C₁-C₆)haloalkyl, cyano, —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —CONH(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        —CON(C₁-C₄)alkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —SO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        —SO₂NH(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —SO₂N(C₁-C₄)alkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, amino,        (C₁-C₄)alkylamino, ((C₁-C₄)alkyl)((C₁-C₄)alkyl)amino, hydroxyl,        (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, (C₁-C₄)alkylthio-, aryl, heteroaryl,        aryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, or heteroaryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl;        -   wherein any aryl or heteroaryl moiety of said aryl,            heteroaryl, aryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, or heteroaryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl is            optionally substituted one to three times, independently, by            halogen, —CF₃, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl, or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy;        -   and wherein any (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl is optionally substituted            one to three times, independently, by (C₁-C₄)alkyl, aryl, or            heteroaryl;            -   wherein said aryl or heteroaryl is optionally                substituted one to three times, independently, by                halogen, —CF₃, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl, or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy;

or R¹ and R² taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attachedrepresent a 5- to 7-membered saturated or unsaturated ring optionallycontaining one other heteroatom which is oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur,wherein said ring is optionally fused to a (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl,heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl ring;

or R¹ and R² taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attachedrepresent a 6- to 10-membered bridged bicyclic ring system optionallyfused to a (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroarylring; and

R³ is hydrogen, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₁-C₈)haloalkyl, (C₂-C₈)alkenyl,(C₂-C₈)alkynyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, (C₅-C₆)cycloalkenyl,(C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₅-C₆)cycloalkenyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, oraryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, wherein the aryl moiety of the aryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl isoptionally substituted one to three times, independently, by halogen,(C₁-C₄)alkyl, or —CF₃.

The present invention is also directed to the use of a compound ofFormula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in theprevention, management or treatment of a respiratory or inflammatorydisease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or rhinitis.

In a further aspect, this invention relates to a pharmaceuticallyacceptable formulation comprising a compound of Formula (I) or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the accumulation of total leukocytes in the BronchoalveolarLavage Fluid of C57BL/6 Mice following twice daily oral administrationof the compounds of Example 1 and 2 at the indicated doses for the final6 weeks during 18 weeks of cigarette smoke exposure.

FIG. 2 shows the accumulation of neutrophils in the BronchoalveolarLavage Fluid of C57BL/6 Mice following twice daily oral administrationof the compounds of Example 1 and 2 at the indicated doses for the final6 weeks during 18 weeks of cigarette smoke exposure.

FIG. 3 shows the accumulation of mononuclear cells in theBronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of C57BL/6 Mice following twice daily oraladministration of the compounds of Example 1 and 2 at the indicateddoses for the final 6 weeks during 18 weeks of cigarette smoke exposure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Terms and Definitions

As used herein, the term “alkyl” refers to a straight- or branched-chainhydrocarbon radical having the specified number of carbon atoms. As usedherein, the terms “(C₁-C₄)alkyl” and “(C₁-C₈)alkyl” refer to an alkylgroup having at least 1 and up to 4 or 8 carbon atoms respectively.Examples of such branched or straight-chained alkyl groups useful in thepresent invention include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl,n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl,isopentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, and branched analogs of thelatter 3 normal alkanes.

When the term “alkyl” is used in combination with other substituentgroups, such as “(C₁-C₄)haloalkyl” or “aryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl”, the term“alkyl” is intended to encompass a divalent straight or branched-chainhydrocarbon radical, wherein the point of attachment is through thealkyl moiety. Examples of “(C₁-C₄)haloalkyl” groups useful in thepresent invention include, but are not limited to, —CF₃(trifluoromethyl), —CCl₃ (trichloromethyl), 1,1-difluoroethyl,2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, and hexafluoroisopropyl. Examples of“aryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl” groups useful in the present invention include, butare not limited to, benzyl (phenylmethyl), 1-methylbenzyl(1-phenylethyl), 1,1-dimethylbenzyl (1-phenylisopropyl), and phenethyl(2-phenylethyl).

As used herein, the term “alkenyl” refers to straight or branchedhydrocarbon chains containing the specified number of carbon atoms andat least 1 and up to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds. Examples includeethenyl and propenyl.

As used herein, the term “alkynyl” refers to straight or branchedhydrocarbon chains containing the specified number of carbon atoms andat least 1 and up to 3 carbon-carbon triple bonds. Examples includeethynyl and propynyl.

As used herein, the term “cycloalkyl” refers to a non-aromatic,saturated, cyclic hydrocarbon ring containing the specified number ofcarbon atoms. The term “(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl” refers to a non-aromaticcyclic hydrocarbon ring having from three to eight ring carbon atoms.Exemplary “(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl” groups useful in the present inventioninclude cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl,and cyclooctyl.

As used herein, the term “cycloalkenyl” refers to a non-aromatic, cyclichydrocarbon ring containing the specified number of carbon atoms and atleast one carbon-carbon double bond. The term “(C₅-C₈)cycloalkenyl”refers to a non-aromatic cyclic hydrocarbon ring having from five toeight ring carbon atoms. Exemplary “(C₅-C₈)cycloalkenyl” groups usefulin the present invention include cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl,cycloheptenyl, and cyclooctenyl.

As used herein, the term “bicycloalkyl” refers to a saturated, bridged,bicyclic hydrocarbon ring system containing the specified number ofcarbon atoms. The term “(C₆-C₁₀)bicycloalkyl” refers to a bicyclichydrocarbon ring system having from six to ten carbon atoms. Exemplary“(C₆-C₁₀)bicycloalkyl” groups useful in the present invention includebicyclo[2.1.1]hexyl, bicyclo[2.1.1]heptyl, bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl,bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, bicyclo[3.2.2]nonyl, bicyclo[3.3.1]nonyl,bicyclo[3.3.2]decyl, and bicyclo[4.3.1]decyl.

“Alkoxy” means an alkyl radical containing the specified number ofcarbon atoms attached through an oxygen linking atom. The term“(C₁-C₄)alkoxy” refers to a straight- or branched-chain hydrocarbonradical having at least 1 and up to 4 carbon atoms attached through anoxygen linking atom. Exemplary “(C₁-C₄)alkoxy” groups useful in thepresent invention include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy,n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, s-butoxy, and t-butoxy.

“Alkylthio-” means an alkyl radical containing the specified number ofcarbon atoms attached through a sulfur linking atom. The term“(C₁-C₄)alkylthio-” refers to a straight- or branched-chain hydrocarbonradical having at least 1 and up to 4 carbon atoms attached through asulfur linking atom. Exemplary “(C₁-C₄)alkylthio-” groups useful in thepresent invention include, but are not limited to, methylthio-,ethylthio-, n-propylthio-, isopropylthio-, n-butylthio-, s-butylthio-,and t-butylthio-.

“Heterocycloalkyl” means a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring containing 3-8or 5-6 ring atoms, being saturated or having one or more degrees ofunsaturation and containing one or more heteroatom substitutionsselected from O, S, and/or N. Such a ring may be optionally fused to oneor more other heterocycloalkyl ring(s) or cycloalkyl ring(s). Examplesof “heterocycloalkyl” moieties include, but are not limited to,aziridinyl, thiiranyl, oxiranyl, azetidinyl, oxetanyl, thietanyl,tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydropyranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 1,4-dioxanyl,1,3-dioxanyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, 2,4-piperazinedionyl,pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl,morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, tetrahydrothienyl,and the like.

“Aryl” refers to optionally substituted monocyclic or fused bicyclicgroups having 6 to 14 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ringthat complies with Hückel's Rule. Examples of “aryl” groups are phenyl,naphthyl, indenyl, dihydroindenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, and thelike. “Heteroaryl” means an optionally substituted aromatic monocyclicring or fused bicyclic ring system wherein at least one ring complieswith Hückel's Rule, has the specified number of ring atoms, and thatring contains at least one heteroatom selected from N, O, and/or S.Examples of 5-membered “heteroaryl” groups include furanyl, thienyl,pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, thiazolyl,oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, and isothiazolyl.Examples of 6-membered “heteroaryl” groups include oxo-pyridyl,pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, and pyrimidinyl. Examples of6,6-fused “heteroaryl” groups include quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl,quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, quinazolinyl,1,5-naphthyridinyl, 1,6-naphthyridinyl, 1,7-naphthyridinyl,1,8-naphthyridinyl, and pteridinyl. Examples of 6,5-fused “heteroaryl”groups include benzofuranyl, benzothienyl, benzimidazolyl,benzthiazolyl, indolizinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, and indazolyl.

For the avoidance of doubt, all bicyclic ring systems may be attached atany suitable position on either ring.

As used herein, “halogen” or “halo” refers to F, Cl, Br, or I.

“Optionally substituted” indicates that a group, such as alkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, bicycloalkyl, alkoxy,heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl, may be unsubstituted, or thegroup may be substituted with one or more substituent(s) as defined. Inthe case where groups may be selected from a number of alternativegroups the selected groups may be the same or different.

The term “independently” means that where more than one substituent isselected from a number of possible substituents, those substituents maybe the same or different. That is, each substituent is separatelyselected from the entire group of recited possible substituents (e.g. agroup of substituents provided herein for various aryl or heteroaryl ishalogen, —CF₃, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl, and (C₁-C₄)alkoxy).

The alternative definitions for the various groups and substituentgroups of Formula (I) provided throughout the specification are intendedto particularly describe each compound species disclosed herein,individually, as well as groups of one or more compound species. Thescope of this invention includes any combination of these group andsubstituent group definitions. The compounds of the invention are onlythose which are contemplated to be “chemically stable” as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

Suitably, R¹ and R² are each independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₂-C₈)alkenyl, (C₂-C₈)alkynyl,(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, (C₅-C₈)cycloalkenyl, (C₆-C₁₀)bicycloalkyl,heterocycloalkyl, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₅-C₈)cycloalkenyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, heterocycloalkyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl,heteroaryl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, and heteroaryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl;

-   -   wherein any (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₂-C₈)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₈)alkynyl is        optionally substituted one to three times, independently, by        —CF₃, cyano, —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —CONH(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        —CON(C₁-C₄)alkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —SO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        —SO₂NH(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —SO₂N(C₁-C₄)alkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, amino,        (C₁-C₄)alkylamino, ((C₁-C₄)alkyl)((C₁-C₄)alkyl)amino, hydroxyl,        or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy;    -   and wherein any cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, bicycloalkyl, or        heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted one to three        times, independently, by (C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₄)haloalkyl, cyano,        —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —CONH(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        —CON(C₁-C₄)alkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —SO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        —SO₂NH(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —SO₂N(C₁-C₄)alkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, amino,        (C₁-C₄)alkylamino, ((C₁-C₄)alkyl)((C₁-C₄)alkyl)amino, hydroxyl,        (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, aryl, or aryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl; wherein the aryl        moiety of said aryl or aryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl is optionally        substituted one to three times, independently, by halogen, —CF₃,        (C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl, or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy;    -   and wherein any aryl or heteroaryl group is optionally        substituted one to three times, independently, by halogen,        (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, (C₅-C₆)cycloalkenyl,        (C₁-C₆)haloalkyl, cyano, —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —CONH(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        —CON(C₁-C₄)alkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —SO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        —SO₂NH(C₁-C₄)alkyl, —SO₂N(C₁-C₄)alkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, amino,        (C₁-C₄)alkylamino, ((C₁-C₄)alkyl)((C₁-C₄)alkyl)amino, hydroxyl,        (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, (C₁-C₄)alkylthio-, aryl, heteroaryl,        aryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, or heteroaryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl;        -   wherein any aryl or heteroaryl moiety of said aryl,            heteroaryl, aryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, or heteroaryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl is            optionally substituted one to three times, independently, by            halogen, —CF₃, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl, or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy;        -   and wherein any (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl is optionally substituted            one to three times, independently, by (C₁-C₄)alkyl, aryl, or            heteroaryl;            -   wherein said aryl or heteroaryl is optionally                substituted one to three times, independently, by                halogen, —CF₃, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl, or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy.

In another embodiment, R¹ and R² are each independently selected fromthe group consisting of hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl,(C₇-C₉)bicycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, (C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl,phenyl, heteroaryl, phenyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, and heteroaryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl;

-   -   wherein any (C₁-C₆)alkyl group is optionally substituted one to        three times, independently, by (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, —CF₃, cyano,        —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl, or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy;    -   and wherein any cycloalkyl, bicycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkyl        group is optionally substituted one to three times,        independently, by (C₁-C₄)alkyl, —CF₃, cyano, —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, phenyl, or phenyl(C₁-C₂)alkyl; wherein        the phenyl moiety of said phenyl or phenyl(C₁-C₂)alkyl is        optionally substituted one to three times, independently, by        halogen, —CF₃, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl, or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy;    -   and wherein any phenyl or heteroaryl group is optionally        substituted one to three times, independently, by halogen,        (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, —CF₃, cyano, —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        —SO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, (C₁-C₄)alkylthio-,        phenyl, heteroaryl, phenyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, or        heteroaryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl;        -   wherein any phenyl or heteroaryl moiety of said phenyl,            heteroaryl, phenyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, or heteroaryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl is            optionally substituted one to three times, independently, by            halogen, —CF₃, or (C₁-C₄)alkyl;        -   and wherein any (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl is optionally substituted            one to three times, independently, by (C₁-C₄)alkyl, phenyl,            or heteroaryl;            -   wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl is optionally                substituted one to three times, independently, by                halogen, —CF₃, or (C₁-C₄)alkyl.

In a further embodiment, R¹ is selected from the group consisting of(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, (C₇-C₉)bicycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl,(C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₂)alkyl, phenyl, heteroaryl, andphenyl(C₁-C₂)alkyl; wherein any cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl group isoptionally substituted one to two times, independently, by (C₁-C₄)alkyl,—CF₃, hydroxyl, or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, and wherein any phenyl or heteroarylgroup is optionally substituted one to two times, independently, byhalogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, —CF₃, cyano, —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl,(C₁-C₄)alkoxy, or (C₁-C₄)alkylthio-. In yet a further embodiment, R¹ isphenyl optionally substituted one to two times, independently, byhalogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, —CF₃, cyano, —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl,(C₁-C₄)alkoxy, or (C₁-C₄)alkylthio-. In yet a further embodiment, R¹ isfuranyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl,tetrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl,or isothiazolyl optionally substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, —CF₃,(C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, phenyl, halophenyl, phenyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl,halophenyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, cyano, —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, or(C₁-C₄)alkylthio-; wherein said (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl is optionallysubstituted by (C₁-C₄)alkyl. In yet a further embodiment, R¹ isthiadiazolyl optionally substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, —CF₃,(C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, phenyl, halophenyl, phenyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, cyano,—CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, or (C₁-C₄)alkylthio-; wherein said(C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl is optionally substituted by (C₁-C₄)alkyl. In yet afurther embodiment, R¹ is thiadiazolyl optionally substituted byhalogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, —CF₃, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, phenyl, cyano,—CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy; wherein said (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl isoptionally substituted by (C₁-C₄)alkyl. In selected embodiments, R¹ is5-cyclohexyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl or 5-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl.

In another embodiment, R² is hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)alkyl. In selectedembodiments, R² is hydrogen or methyl. In another selected embodiment,R² is hydrogen.

In another embodiment, R¹ and R² taken together with the nitrogen towhich they are attached represent a 5- to 7-membered saturated orunsaturated ring optionally containing one other heteroatom which isoxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur; wherein said ring is optionally fused to a(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl ring. In afurther embodiment, R¹ and R² taken together with the nitrogen to whichthey are attached represent a 5- to 6-membered saturated or unsaturatedring optionally fused to a phenyl moiety. In a selected embodiment, R¹and R² taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attachedrepresent 1H-indol-1-yl or 2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl. In anotherselected embodiment, R¹ and R² taken together with the nitrogen to whichthey are attached represent 2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl.

In another embodiment, R¹ and R² taken together with the nitrogen towhich they are attached represent a 6- to 10-membered bridged bicyclicring system optionally fused to a (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl,aryl, or heteroaryl ring. In a further embodiment, R¹ and R² takentogether with the nitrogen to which they are attached represent a 7- to9-membered bridged bicyclic ring system optionally fused to a phenylmoiety.

Suitably, R³ is hydrogen, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₁-C₈)haloalkyl,(C₂-C₈)alkenyl, (C₂-C₈)alkynyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, (C₅-C₆)cycloalkenyl,(C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₅-C₆)cycloalkenyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, oraryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl; wherein the aryl moiety of the aryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl isoptionally substituted one to three times, independently, by halogen,(C₁-C₄)alkyl, or —CF₃.

In another embodiment, R³ is hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)haloalkyl,(C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, or phenyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl;wherein the phenyl moiety of the phenyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl is optionallysubstituted one to three times, independently, by halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl,or —CF₃. In a further embodiment, R³ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl or(C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₂)alkyl. In selected embodiments, R³ is ethyl,isobutyl, or sec-butyl. In further selected embodiments, R³ iscyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutylmethyl, cyclopentylmethyl, orcyclohexylmethyl. In another selected embodiment, R³ iscyclopropylmethyl. In a further embodiment, R³ is phenyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl;wherein the phenyl moiety is optionally substituted one to two times,independently, by halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, or —CF₃. In a selectedembodiment, R³ is phenethyl.

One particular embodiment of the invention is a compound of Formula (I)or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein:

R¹ and R² are each independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl, (C₇-C₉)bicycloalkyl,heterocycloalkyl, (C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, phenyl, heteroaryl,phenyl(C₁-C₄)alkyl, and heteroaryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl;

-   -   wherein any (C₁-C₆)alkyl group is optionally substituted one to        three times, independently, by (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, —CF₃, cyano,        —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl, or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy;    -   and wherein any cycloalkyl, bicycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkyl        group is optionally substituted one to three times,        independently, by (C₁-C₄)alkyl, —CF₃, cyano, —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, phenyl, or phenyl(C₁-C₂)alkyl; wherein        the phenyl moiety of said phenyl or phenyl(C₁-C₂)alkyl is        optionally substituted one to three times, independently, by        halogen, —CF₃, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl, or (C₁-C₄)alkoxy;    -   and wherein any phenyl or heteroaryl group is optionally        substituted one to three times, independently, by halogen,        (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, —CF₃, cyano, —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl,        —SO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, phenyl, heteroaryl,        phenyl(C₁-C₂)alkyl, or heteroaryl(C₁-C₂)alkyl;        -   wherein any phenyl or heteroaryl moiety of said phenyl,            heteroaryl, phenyl(C₁-C₂)alkyl, or heteroaryl(C₁-C₂)alkyl is            optionally substituted one to three times, independently, by            halogen, —CF₃, or (C₁-C₄)alkyl;        -   and wherein any (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl is optionally substituted            one to three times, independently, by (C₁-C₄)alkyl, phenyl,            or heteroaryl;            -   wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl is optionally                substituted one to three times, independently, by                halogen, —CF₃, or (C₁-C₄)alkyl;

or R¹ and R² taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attachedrepresent a 5- to 6-membered saturated or unsaturated ring optionallyfused to a phenyl moiety;

or R¹ and R² taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attachedrepresent a 7- to 9-membered bridged bicyclic ring system optionallyfused to a phenyl moiety; and

R³ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl or (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₂)alkyl.

Another particular embodiment of the invention is a compound of Formula(I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein:

R¹ and R² taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attachedrepresent a 5- to 6-membered saturated or unsaturated ring optionallyfused to a phenyl moiety; and

R³ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl or (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₂)alkyl.

Another particular embodiment of the invention is a compound of Formula(I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein:

R¹ and R² taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attachedrepresent 2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl; and

R³ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl or (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₂)alkyl.

Another particular embodiment of the invention is a compound of Formula(I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein:

R¹ is heteroaryl optionally substituted one to two times, independently,by halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, —CF₃, cyano, —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, hydroxyl, or(C₁-C₄)alkoxy; wherein said heteroaryl is selected from the groupconsisting of furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl,triazolyl, tetrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl,thiadiazolyl, and isothiazolyl; and

R² is hydrogen or methyl;

R³ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl or (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₂)alkyl.

Another particular embodiment of the invention is a compound of Formula(I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein:

R¹ is thiadiazolyl optionally substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl,—CF₃, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, phenyl, cyano, —CO₂(C₁-C₄)alkyl, or(C₁-C₄)alkoxy; wherein said (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl is optionally substitutedby (C₁-C₄)alkyl;

R² is hydrogen or methyl; and

R³ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl or (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₂)alkyl.

Specific compounds of Formula (I) are:

-   4-amino-N-[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-ethyl-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-carboxamide;    and-   4-amino-N-[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-(2-methylpropyl)-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-carboxamide;    or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The invention also includes various isomers of the compounds of Formula(I) and mixtures thereof. “Isomer” refers to compounds that have thesame composition and molecular weight but differ in physical and/orchemical properties. The structural difference may be in constitution(geometric isomers) or in the ability to rotate the plane of polarizedlight (stereoisomers). The compounds according to Formula (I) containone or more asymmetric centers, also referred to as chiral centers, andmay, therefore, exist as individual enantiomers, diastereomers, or otherstereoisomeric forms, or as mixtures thereof. All such isomeric formsare included within the present invention, including mixtures thereof.

Chiral centers may also be present in a substituent such as an alkylgroup. Where the stereochemistry of a chiral center present in Formula(I), or in any chemical structure illustrated herein, is not specifiedthe structure is intended to encompass any stereoisomer and all mixturesthereof. Thus, compounds according to Formula (I) containing one or morechiral centers may be used as racemic mixtures, enantiomericallyenriched mixtures, or as enantiomerically pure individual stereoisomers.

Individual stereoisomers of a compound according to Formula (I) whichcontain one or more asymmetric centers may be resolved by methods knownto those skilled in the art. For example, such resolution may be carriedout (1) by formation of diastereoisomeric salts, complexes or otherderivatives; (2) by selective reaction with a stereoisomer-specificreagent, for example by enzymatic oxidation or reduction; or (3) bygas-liquid or liquid chromatography in a chiral environment, forexample, on a chiral support such as silica with a bound chiral ligandor in the presence of a chiral solvent. The skilled artisan willappreciate that where the desired stereoisomer is converted into anotherchemical entity by one of the separation procedures described above, afurther step is required to liberate the desired form. Alternatively,specific stereoisomers may be synthesized by asymmetric synthesis usingoptically active reagents, substrates, catalysts or solvents, or byconverting one enantiomer to the other by asymmetric transformation.

The invention also includes various deuterated forms of the compounds ofFormula (I). Each available hydrogen atom attached to a carbon atom maybe independently replaced with a deuterium atom. A person of ordinaryskill in the art will know how to synthesize deuterated forms of thecompounds of Formula (I). For example, α-deuterated α-amino acids arecommercially available or may be prepared by conventional techniques(see for example: Elemes, Y. and Ragnarsson, U. J. Chem. Soc., PerkinTrans. 1, 1996, 6, 537-40). Employing such compounds according to Scheme1 below will allow for the preparation of compounds of Formula (I) inwhich the hydrogen atom at the chiral center is replaced with adeuterium atom. Similarly, α-amino acids in which deuterium atoms havebeen incorporated into the sidechains are commercially available or maybe prepared by conventional techniques. Employing such compoundsaccording to Scheme 1 below will allow for the preparation of compoundsof Formula (I) in which deuterium atoms have been incorporated in R³.Additionally, replacement of the reagent lithium aluminum hydride withlithium aluminum deuteride according to Scheme 1 below will allow fordeuterium substitution at the β-position of the butenamide of thecompounds of Formula (I).

The term “solvate” refers to a complex of variable stoichiometry formedby a solute and a solvent. Such solvents for the purpose of theinvention may not interfere with the biological activity of the solute.Examples of suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, water,methanol, ethanol and acetic acid. Preferably, the solvent used is apharmaceutically acceptable solvent. Examples of suitablepharmaceutically acceptable solvents include, without limitation, water,ethanol and acetic acid. Solvates wherein water is the solvent moleculeare typically referred to as “hydrates”. Hydrates include compositionscontaining stoichiometric amounts of water, as well as compositionscontaining variable amounts of water. Solvates, particularly hydrates,of the compounds of Formula (I) and salts thereof, are within the scopeof the invention.

When a disclosed compound or its salt is named or depicted by structure,it is to be understood that the compound or salt, including solvates(particularly, hydrates) thereof, may exist in crystalline forms,non-crystalline forms or a mixture thereof. The compound or salt, orsolvates (particularly, hydrates) thereof, may also exhibit polymorphism(i.e. the capacity to occur in different crystalline forms). Thesedifferent crystalline forms are typically known as “polymorphs.” It isto be understood that when named or depicted by structure, the disclosedcompound, or solvates (particularly, hydrates) thereof, also include allpolymorphs thereof. Polymorphs have the same chemical composition butdiffer in packing, geometrical arrangement, and other descriptiveproperties of the crystalline solid state. Polymorphs, therefore, mayhave different physical properties such as shape, density, hardness,deformability, stability, and dissolution properties. Polymorphstypically exhibit different melting points, IR spectra, and X-ray powderdiffraction patterns, which may be used for identification. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that different polymorphs maybe produced, for example, by changing or adjusting the conditions usedin crystallizing/recrystallizing the compound.

Because of their potential use in medicine, the salts of the compoundsof Formula (I) are preferably pharmaceutically acceptable. Suitablepharmaceutically acceptable salts can include acid or base additionsalts. This invention also provides for the conversion of onepharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of this invention, e.g.,a hydrochloride salt, into another pharmaceutically acceptable salt of acompound of this invention, e.g., a sulfate salt.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable” means a compoundwhich is suitable for pharmaceutical use. Salts and solvates (e.g.hydrates and hydrates of salts) of the compounds of the invention whichare suitable for use in medicine are those wherein the counterion orassociated solvent is pharmaceutically acceptable. However, salts andsolvates having non-pharmaceutically acceptable counterions orassociated solvents are within the scope of the present invention, forexample, for use as intermediates in the preparation of other compoundsof the invention and their salts and solvates.

Compounds of Formula (I) have one or more nitrogen(s) basic enough toform pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts by treatment with asuitable acid. Suitable acids include pharmaceutically acceptableinorganic acids and pharmaceutically acceptable organic acids.Representative pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts includeacetate, aspartate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bicarbonate, bitartrate,bromide, calcium edetate, camsylate, carbonate, chloride, citrate,dihydrochloride, edetate, edisylate, estolate, esylate, formate,fumarate, galacturonate, gluceptate, gluconate, glutamate,glycollylarsanilate, hexanoate, hydrobromide, hydrochloride,hydroxynaphthoate, iodide, isethionate, lactate, lactobionate, malate,maleate, mandelate, mesylate, methylsulfate, mucate, napsylate, nitrate,pamoate, pantothenate, phosphate/diphosphate, polygalacturonate,propionate, salicylate, stearate, subacetate, succinate, sulfate,tannate, tartrate, teoclate, and tosylate salts.

Other iterations of compounds of the invention have an acidic functionalgroup, one acidic enough to form salts. Representative salts includepharmaceutically acceptable metal salts such as sodium, potassium,lithium, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and zinc salts; carbonates andbicarbonates of a pharmaceutically acceptable metal cation such assodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and zinc;pharmaceutically acceptable organic primary, secondary, and tertiaryamines including aliphatic amines, aromatic amines, aliphatic diamines,and hydroxy alkylamines such as methylamine, ethylamine,2-hydroxyethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, ethylenediamine,ethanolamine, diethanolamine, cyclohexylamine, triethanolamine, choline,arginine, lysine, and histidine.

Other non-pharmaceutically acceptable salts, e.g. trifluoroacetate, maybe used, for example in the isolation of compounds of the invention, andare included within the scope of this invention.

The invention includes within its scope all possible stoichiometric andnon-stoichiometric forms of the salts of the compounds of Formula (I).

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that certainprotected derivatives of compounds of Formula (I), which may be madeprior to a final deprotection stage, may not possess pharmacologicalactivity as such, but may, in certain instances, be administered orallyor parenterally and thereafter metabolized in the body to form compoundsof the invention which are pharmacologically active. Such derivativesmay therefore be described as “prodrugs”. Further, certain compounds ofthe invention may act as prodrugs of other compounds of the invention.All protected derivatives and prodrugs of compounds of the invention areincluded within the scope of the invention. Examples of suitablepro-drugs for the compounds of the present invention are described inDrugs of Today, Volume 19, Number 9, 1983, pp 499-538 and in Topics inChemistry, Chapter 31, pp 306-316 and in “Design of Prodrugs” by H.Bundgaard, Elsevier, 1985, Chapter 1 (the disclosures in which documentsare incorporated herein by reference). It will further be appreciated bythose skilled in the art, that certain moieties, known to those skilledin the art as “pro-moieties”, for example as described by H. Bundgaardin “Design of Prodrugs” (the disclosure in which document isincorporated herein by reference) may be placed on appropriatefunctionalities when such functionalities are present within compoundsof the invention. Preferred “pro-moieties” for compounds of theinvention include: ester, carbonate ester, hemi-ester, phosphate ester,nitro ester, sulfate ester, sulfoxide, amide, carbamate, azo-,phosphamide, glycoside, ether, acetal, and ketal derivatives of thecompounds of Formula (I).

The compounds of the invention inhibit the cathepsin C enzyme and can beuseful in the treatment of conditions wherein the underlying pathologyis (at least in part) attributable to cathepsin C involvement or inconditions wherein cathepsin C inhibition offers some clinical benefiteven though the underlying pathology is not (even in part) attributableto cathepsin C involvement. Examples of such conditions include COPD,rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, and multiple sclerosis.Accordingly, in another aspect the invention is directed to methods oftreating such conditions.

The methods of treatment of the invention comprise administering aneffective amount of a compound of the invention to a patient in needthereof.

As used herein, “treatment” in reference to a condition means: (1) theamelioration of the condition being treated or one or more of thebiological manifestations of the condition being treated, (2) theinterference with (a) one or more points in the biological cascade thatleads to or is responsible for the condition being treated or (b) one ormore of the biological manifestations of the condition being treated, or(3) the alleviation of one or more of the symptoms or effects associatedwith the condition being treated.

An “effective amount” means that amount of a drug or pharmaceuticalagent that will elicit the biological or medical response of a tissue,system, animal or human that is being sought, for instance, by aresearcher or clinician. Furthermore, the term “therapeuticallyeffective amount” means any amount which, as compared to a correspondingsubject who has not received such amount, results in improved treatment,healing, prevention, or amelioration of a disease, disorder, or sideeffect, or a decrease in the rate of advancement of a disease ordisorder. The term also includes within its scope amounts effective toenhance normal physiological function.

As used herein, “patient” refers to a human or animal.

The compounds of the invention may be administered by any suitable routeof administration, including both systemic administration and topicaladministration. Systemic administration includes oral administration,parenteral administration, transdermal administration, rectaladministration, and administration by inhalation. Parenteraladministration refers to routes of administration other than enteral,transdermal, or by inhalation, and is typically by injection orinfusion. Parenteral administration includes intravenous, intramuscular,and subcutaneous injection or infusion. Inhalation refers toadministration into the patient's lungs whether inhaled through themouth or through the nasal passages. Topical administration includesapplication to the skin as well as intraocular, otic, intravaginal, andintranasal administration.

The compounds of the invention may be administered once or according toa dosing regimen wherein a number of doses are administered at varyingintervals of time for a given period of time. For example, doses may beadministered one, two, three, or four times per day. Doses may beadministered until the desired therapeutic effect is achieved orindefinitely to maintain the desired therapeutic effect. Suitable dosingregimens for a compound of the invention depend on the pharmacokineticproperties of that compound, such as absorption, distribution, andhalf-life, which can be determined by the skilled artisan. In addition,suitable dosing regimens, including the amount administered and theduration such regimens are administered, for a compound of the inventiondepend on the condition being treated, the severity of the conditionbeing treated, the age and physical condition of the patient beingtreated, the medical history of the patient to be treated, the nature ofconcurrent therapy, the particular route of administration chosen, thedesired therapeutic effect, and like factors within the knowledge andexpertise of the skilled artisan. It will be further understood by suchskilled artisans that suitable dosing regimens may require adjustmentgiven an individual patient's response to the dosing regimen or overtime as individual patient needs change. Typical daily dosages rangefrom 1 mg to 1000 mg.

The invention includes the use of compounds of the invention for thepreparation of a composition for treating or ameliorating diseasesmediated by the cathepsin C enzyme in a subject in need thereof, whereinthe composition comprises a mixture of one or more of the compounds ofthe invention and an optional pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

The invention further includes the use of compounds of the invention asan active therapeutic substance, in particular in the treatment ofdiseases mediated by the cathepsin C enzyme. Specifically, the inventionincludes the use of compounds of the invention in the treatment of COPD,rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, and multiple sclerosis.

In another aspect, the invention includes the use of compounds of theinvention in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment ofthe above disorders.

Compositions

The compounds of the invention will normally, but not necessarily, beformulated into a pharmaceutical composition prior to administration toa patient. Accordingly, in another aspect the invention is directed topharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the invention and apharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be prepared andpackaged in bulk form wherein an effective amount of a compound of theinvention can be extracted and then given to the patient such as withpowders, syrups, and solutions for injection. Alternatively, thepharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be prepared andpackaged in unit dosage form wherein each physically discrete unitcontains an effective amount of a compound of the invention. Whenprepared in unit dosage form, the pharmaceutical compositions of theinvention typically contain from 1 mg to 1000 mg.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention typically contain onecompound of the invention. However, in certain embodiments, thepharmaceutical compositions of the invention contain more than onecompound of the invention. For example, in certain embodiments thepharmaceutical compositions of the invention contain two compounds ofthe invention. In addition, the pharmaceutical compositions of theinvention may optionally further comprise one or more additionalpharmaceutically active compounds. Conversely, the pharmaceuticalcompositions of the invention typically contain more than onepharmaceutically acceptable excipient. However, in certain embodiments,the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention contain onepharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable excipient” means amaterial, composition or vehicle involved in giving form or consistencyto the composition and which is safe when administered to a patient.Each excipient must be compatible with the other ingredients of thepharmaceutical composition when commingled such that interactions whichwould substantially reduce the efficacy of the compound of the inventionwhen administered to a patient and interactions which would result inpharmaceutical compositions that are not pharmaceutically acceptable areavoided. In addition, each excipient must of course be of sufficientlyhigh purity to render it pharmaceutically-acceptable.

The compounds of the invention and the pharmaceutically acceptableexcipient or excipients will typically be formulated into a dosage formadapted for administration to the patient by the desired route ofadministration. For example, dosage forms include those adapted for (1)oral administration such as tablets, capsules, caplets, pills, troches,powders, syrups, elixirs, suspensions, solutions, emulsions, sachets,and cachets; (2) parenteral administration such as sterile solutions,suspensions, and powders for reconstitution; (3) transdermaladministration such as transdermal patches; (4) rectal administrationsuch as suppositories; (5) inhalation such as aerosols and solutions;and (6) topical administration such as creams, ointments, lotions,solutions, pastes, sprays, foams, and gels.

Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients will vary depending uponthe particular dosage form chosen. In addition, suitablepharmaceutically acceptable excipients may be chosen for a particularfunction that they may serve in the composition. For example, certainpharmaceutically acceptable excipients may be chosen for their abilityto facilitate the production of uniform dosage forms. Certainpharmaceutically acceptable excipients may be chosen for their abilityto facilitate the production of stable dosage forms. Certainpharmaceutically acceptable excipients may be chosen for their abilityto facilitate the carrying or transporting the compound or compounds ofthe invention once administered to the patient from one organ, orportion of the body, to another organ, or portion of the body. Certainpharmaceutically acceptable excipients may be chosen for their abilityto enhance patient compliance.

Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients include the followingtypes of excipients: diluents, fillers, binders, disintegrants,lubricants, glidants, granulating agents, coating agents, wettingagents, solvents, co-solvents, suspending agents, emulsifiers,sweeteners, flavoring agents, flavor masking agents, coloring agents,anti-caking agents, humectants, chelating agents, plasticizers,viscosity increasing agents, antioxidants, preservatives, stabilizers,surfactants, and buffering agents. The skilled artisan will appreciatethat certain pharmaceutically acceptable excipients may serve more thanone function and may serve alternative functions depending on how muchof the excipient is present in the formulation and what otheringredients are present in the formulation.

Skilled artisans possess the knowledge and skill in the art to enablethem to select suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients inappropriate amounts for use in the invention. In addition, there are anumber of resources that are available to the skilled artisan whichdescribe pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and may be useful inselecting suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. Examplesinclude Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Mack Publishing Company),The Handbook of Pharmaceutical Additives (Gower Publishing Limited), andThe Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients (the American PharmaceuticalAssociation and the Pharmaceutical Press).

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are prepared usingtechniques and methods known to those skilled in the art. Some of themethods commonly used in the art are described in Remington'sPharmaceutical Sciences (Mack Publishing Company).

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a solid oral dosage formsuch as a tablet or capsule comprising an effective amount of a compoundof the invention and a diluent or filler. Suitable diluents and fillersinclude lactose, sucrose, dextrose, mannitol, sorbitol, starch (e.g.corn starch, potato starch, and pre-gelatinized starch), cellulose andits derivatives (e.g. microcrystalline cellulose), calcium sulfate, anddibasic calcium phosphate. The oral solid dosage form may furthercomprise a binder. Suitable binders include starch (e.g. corn starch,potato starch, and pre-gelatinized starch), gelatin, acacia, sodiumalginate, alginic acid, tragacanth, guar gum, povidone, and celluloseand its derivatives (e.g. microcrystalline cellulose). The oral soliddosage form may further comprise a disintegrant. Suitable disintegrantsinclude crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate, croscarmelose, alginicacid, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The oral solid dosage form mayfurther comprise a lubricant. Suitable lubricants include stearic acid,magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, and talc.

In another aspect, the invention is directed to a dosage form adaptedfor administration to a patient by inhalation. For example, the compoundof the invention may be inhaled into the lungs as a dry powder, anaerosol, a suspension, or a solution.

Dry powder compositions for delivery to the lung by inhalation typicallycomprise a compound of the invention as a finely divided powder togetherwith one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients as finelydivided powders. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients particularlysuited for use in dry powders are known to those skilled in the art andinclude lactose, starch, mannitol, and mono-, di-, and polysaccharides.

The dry powder may be administered to the patient via a reservoir drypowder inhaler (RDPI) having a reservoir suitable for storing multiple(un-metered doses) of medicament in dry powder form. RDPIs typicallyinclude a means for metering each medicament dose from the reservoir toa delivery position. For example, the metering means may comprise ametering cup, which is movable from a first position where the cup maybe filled with medicament from the reservoir to a second position wherethe metered medicament dose is made available to the patient forinhalation.

Alternatively, the dry powder may be presented in capsules (e.g. gelatinor plastic), cartridges, or blister packs for use in a multi-dose drypowder inhaler (MDPI). MDPIs are inhalers wherein the medicament iscomprised within a multi-dose pack containing (or otherwise carrying)multiple defined doses (or parts thereof) of medicament. When the drypowder is presented as a blister pack, it comprises multiple blistersfor containment of the medicament in dry powder form. The blisters aretypically arranged in regular fashion for ease of release of themedicament therefrom. For example, the blisters may be arranged in agenerally circular fashion on a disc-form blister pack, or the blistersmay be elongate in form, for example comprising a strip or a tape. Eachcapsule, cartridge, or blister may, for example, contain between 20μg-10 mg of the compound of the invention.

Aerosols may be formed by suspending or dissolving a compound of theinvention in a liquified propellant. Suitable propellants includehalocarbons, hydrocarbons, and other liquified gases. Representativepropellants include: trichlorofluoromethane (propellant 11),dichlorofluoromethane (propellant 12), dichlorotetrafluoroethane(propellant 114), tetrafluoroethane (HFA-134a), 1,1-difluoroethane(HFA-152a), difluoromethane (HFA-32), pentafluoroethane (HFA-12),heptafluoropropane (HFA-227a), perfluoropropane, perfluorobutane,perfluoropentane, butane, isobutane, and pentane. Aerosols comprising acompound of the invention will typically be administered to a patientvia a metered dose inhaler (MDI). Such devices are known to thoseskilled in the art.

The aerosol may contain additional pharmaceutically acceptableexcipients typically used with multiple dose inhalers such assurfactants, lubricants, cosolvents and other excipients to improve thephysical stability of the formulation, to improve valve performance, toimprove solubility, or to improve taste.

Suspensions and solutions comprising a compound of the invention mayalso be administered to a patient via a nebulizer. The solvent orsuspension agent utilized for nebulization may be any pharmaceuticallyacceptable liquid such as water, aqueous saline, alcohols or glycols,e.g., ethanol, isopropylalcohol, glycerol, propylene glycol,polyethylene glycol, etc. or mixtures thereof. Saline solutions utilizesalts which display little or no pharmacological activity afteradministration. Both organic salts, such as alkali metal or ammoniumhalogen salts, e.g., sodium chloride, potassium chloride or organicsalts, such as potassium, sodium and ammonium salts or organic acids,e.g., ascorbic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, tartaric acid, etc. maybe used for this purpose.

Other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients may be added to thesuspension or solution. The compound of the invention may be stabilizedby the addition of an inorganic acid, e.g., hydrochloric acid, nitricacid, sulfuric acid and/or phosphoric acid; an organic acid, e.g.,ascorbic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, and tartaric acid, etc., acomplexing agent such as EDTA or citric acid and salts thereof; or anantioxidant such as antioxidant such as vitamin E or ascorbic acid.These may be used alone or together to stabilize the compound of theinvention. Preservatives may be added such as benzalkonium chloride orbenzoic acid and salts thereof. Surfactant may be added particularly toimprove the physical stability of suspensions. These include lecithin,disodium dioctylsulphosuccinate, oleic acid and sorbitan esters.

Methods of Preparation.

The compounds of Formula (I) may be obtained by using syntheticprocedures illustrated in the Schemes below or by drawing on theknowledge of a skilled organic chemist. The synthesis provided in theseSchemes are applicable for producing compounds of the invention having avariety of different R¹-R³ groups employing appropriate precursors,which are suitably protected if need be, to achieve compatibility withthe reactions outlined herein. Subsequent deprotection, where needs be,and then affords compounds of the nature generally disclosed. While theSchemes are shown with compounds only of Formula (I), they areillustrative of processes that may be used to make the compounds of theinvention.

Compounds names were generated using the software naming programACD/Name Pro V6.02 available from Advanced Chemistry Development, Inc.,110 Yonge Street, 14^(th) Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5C 1T4(http://www.acdlabs.com/).

As shown in Scheme 1, the compounds of Formula (I) can be prepared in amulti-step sequence starting from a Boc-protected α-amino acid, such asthe commercially available(2S)-2-({[(1,1-dimethylethyl)oxy]carbonyl}amino)butanoic acid orN-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-leucine. Formation of an appropriate amidederivative, such as a Weinreb amide, using an appropriate amine or aminesalt, such as N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride, with anappropriate coupling reagent, such as 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole, and anappropriate base, such as DIPEA, in an appropriate solvent, such asCH₂Cl₂, followed by reduction with an appropriate reducing agent, suchas LiAlH₄, in an appropriate solvent, such as Et₂O, provides therequisite aldehyde. Enoate formation with an appropriate olefinatingreagent, such as methyl (triphenylphosphoranylidene) acetate, in anappropriate solvent, such as Et₂O, is followed by ester hydrolysis withan appropriate reagent, such as LiOH, in an appropriate solvent system,such as THF, MeOH, and water. This is followed by amide bond formationwith an appropriate acyclic or cyclic amine and an appropriate couplingreagent or reagents, such as ®T3P or the BOP reagent, and an appropriatebase, such as Et₃N or DIPEA, in an appropriate solvent, such as CH₂Cl₂or DMF. Boc deprotection with an appropriate reagent, such as TFA, isfollowed by coupling of the liberated amine with4-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-carboxylic acid,with an appropriate coupling reagent or reagents, such as ®T3P, and anappropriate base, such as Et₃N, in an appropriate solvent, such asCH₂Cl₂. Boc deprotection with an appropriate reagent, such as HCl,results in the formation of the desired compounds of Formula (I), whichmay be isolated as the corresponding salt form or converted to the freebase using conventional techniques.

SYNTHETIC EXAMPLES

The invention will now be described by reference to the followingexamples which are merely illustrative and are not to be construed as alimitation of the scope of the present invention. All temperatures aregiven in degrees Celsius, all solvents are highest available purity andall reactions run under anhydrous conditions in an argon (Ar) ornitrogen (N₂) atmosphere where necessary.

Analtech Silica Gel GF and E. Merck Silica Gel 60 F-254 thin layerplates were used for thin layer chromatography. Both flash and gravitychromatography were carried out on E. Merck Kieselgel 60 (230-400 mesh)silica gel. The CombiFlash® system used for purification in thisapplication was purchased from Isco, Inc. CombiFlash® purification wascarried out using prepacked silica gel columns, a detector with UVwavelength at 254 nm and a variety of solvents or solvent combinations.Preparative HPLC was performed using a Gilson Preparative System withvariable wavelength UV detection or an Agilent Mass Directed AutoPrep(MDAP) system with both mass and variable wavelength UV detection. Avariety of reverse phase columns, e.g., Luna 5u C18(2) 100A, SunFireC18, XBridge C18 were used in the purification with the choice of columnsupport dependent upon the conditions used in the purification. Thecompounds are eluted using a gradient of CH₃CN and water. Neutralconditions used an CH₃CN and water gradient with no additional modifier,acidic conditions used an acid modifier, usually 0.1% TFA (added to boththe CH₃CN and water) and basic conditions used a basic modifier, usually0.1% NH₄OH (added to the water). Analytical HPLC was run using anAgilent system with variable wavelength UV detection using reverse phasechromatography with an CH₃CN and water gradient with a 0.05 or 0.1% TFAmodifier (added to each solvent). LC-MS was determined using either a PESciex Single Quadrupole LC/MS API-150a, or Waters ZQ instruments. Thecompound is analyzed using a reverse phase column, e.g., ThermoAquasil/Aquasil C18, Acquity UPLC C18, Thermo Hypersil Gold eluted usingan CH₃CN and water gradient with a low percentage of an acid modifiersuch as 0.02% TFA or 0.1% formic acid.

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were recorded at 400 MHz using aBruker AVANCE 400 or Brucker DPX400 spectrometer. CDCl₃ isdeuteriochloroform, DMSO-d₆ is hexadeuteriodimethylsulfoxide, and MeODis tetradeuteriomethanol. Chemical shifts are reported in parts permillion (δ) downfield from the internal standard tetramethylsilane (TMS)or calibrated to the residual proton signal in the NMR solvent (e.g.,CHCl₃ in CDCl₃). Abbreviations for NMR data are as follows: s=singlet,d=doublet, t=triplet, q=quartet, m=multiplet, dd=doublet of doublets,dt=doublet of triplets, app=apparent, br=broad. J indicates the NMRcoupling constant measured in Hertz. Melting points were determinedusing an Electrothermal 9100 apparatus (Electrothermal EngineeringLtd.).

Heating of reaction mixtures with microwave irradiations was carried outon a Smith Creator (purchased from Personal Chemistry, Foxboro, Mass.,now owned by Biotage), an Emrys Optimizer (purchased from PersonalChemistry) or an Explorer (purchased from CEM, Matthews, N.C.)microwave.

Cartridges or columns containing polymer based functional groups (acid,base, metal chelators, etc) can be used as part of compound workup. The“amine” columns or cartridges are used to neutralize or basify acidicreaction mixtures or products. These include NH2 Aminopropyl SPE-ed SPECartridges available from Applied Separations and diethylamino SPEcartridges available from United Chemical Technologies, Inc.

Abbreviations are listed in the table below. All other abbreviations areas described in the ACS Style Guide (American Chemical Society,Washington, D.C., 1986).

Table of Abbreviations BOP reagent: benzotriazole-1-yl-oxy- ®T3P:propane phosphonic acid tris-(dimethylamino)-phosphonium anhydridehexafluorophosphate Et₃N: triethylamine CH₂Cl₂: dichloromethane DIPEA:N,N-diisopropylethylamine DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide TFA: trifluoroaceticacid THF: tetrahydrofuran HCl: hydrochloric acid DMF:N,N-dimethylformamide NaHCO₃: sodium bicarbonate EtOAc: ethyl acetateNa₂SO₄: sodium sulfate Et₂O: diethyl ether LiAlH₄: lithium aluminumhydride MeOH: methanol mL: milliliter(s) CH₃CN: acetonitrile min:minute(s) aq.: aqueous h: hour(s) M: molar g: gram(s) mmol: millimole(s)mg: milligram(s) RT: room temperature

Intermediate Compounds Intermediate 1 1,1-dimethylethyl((1S)-1-{[methyl(methyloxy)amino]carbonyl}propyl)carbamate

To a solution of(2S)-2-({[(1,1-dimethylethyl)oxy]carbonyl}amino)butanoic acid (2.50 g,12.3 mmol) in THF (15.0 mL) was added 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (2.39 g,14.8 mmol) portionwise over about 10 min. After stirring 30 min at RT, asolution of N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (1.32 g, 13.5 mmol)and DIPEA (2.36 mL, 13.5 mmol) in DMF (4.0 mL) was added. The reactionmixture was stirred for 2 h at RT, followed by concentration in vacuo.The residue was diluted with EtOAc (50 mL) and washed with 1 M aq. HCl(2×20 mL), saturated aq. NaHCO₃ (2×20 mL), and brine (20 mL). Theorganic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuoto afford the title compound (2.60 g, 88%) as a clear, colorless oil.LC-MS m/z 247 (M+H)⁺, 0.94 min (ret time).

Intermediate 2 1,1-dimethylethyl [(1S)-1-formylpropyl]carbamate

To a solution of LiAlH₄ (0.453 g, 11.9 mmol) in Et₂O (20 mL) at 0° C.was added dropwise a solution of 1,1-dimethylethyl((1S)-1-{[methyl(methyloxy)amino]carbonyl}-propyl)carbamate (2.67 g,10.8 mmol) in Et₂O (15 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minat 0° C. and quenched with EtOAc (6.5 mL) followed by 5% aq. potassiumbisulfate (6.5 mL). The reaction mixture was washed with 1 M aq. HCl(3×10 mL), saturated aq. NaHCO₃ (3×10 mL), and brine (10 mL). Theorganic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuoto afford the title compound as a clear, colorless oil.

Intermediate 3 methyl(2E,4S)-4-({[(1,1-dimethylethyl)oxy]carbonyl}amino)-2-hexenoate

To a stirred solution of methyl (triphenylphosphoranylidene) acetate(4.35 g, 13.0 mmol) in Et₂O (25 mL) at RT was added a solution ofIntermediate 2 in Et₂O (15 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at RTovernight. The solid was removed by filtration and the solution wasconcentrated in vacuo. Purification via flash column chromatography(0-50% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (1.44 g, 55% over twosteps) as a clear, colorless oil. LC-MS m/z 244 (M+H)⁺, 0.98 min (rettime).

Intermediate 4(2E,4S)-4-({[(1,1-dimethylethyl)oxy]carbonyl}amino)-2-hexenoic acid

LiOH (2.95 g, 123 mmol) was added to a solution of methyl(2E,4S)-4-({[(1,1-dimethylethyl)oxy]carbonyl}amino)-2-hexenoate (6 g,24.66 mmol) in THF (50 mL), MeOH (10.00 mL), and water (50.0 mL). Thereaction was stirred overnight at RT. After 18.5 h, the reaction mixturewas concentrated under reduced pressure to remove the THF and MeOH.Water (40 mL) was added, and aqueous mixture was adjusted to pH=3 with 6M aq. HCl, as measured by pH paper. EtOAc (80 mL) was added, the layerswere separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (2×40mL). The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄, concentratedunder reduced pressure, and dried under high vacuum, giving 6.09 g ofthe title compound. LC-MS m/z 230 (M+H)⁺, 0.77 min (ret time).

Intermediate 5 1,1-dimethylethyl[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-ethyl-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]carbamate

A solution of 50 wt % ®T3P in EtOAc (22.00 mL, 37.0 mmol) was addeddropwise via addition funnel to a solution of(2E,4S)-4-({[(1,1-dimethylethyl)oxy]carbonyl}-amino)-2-hexenoic acid(5.65 g, 24.64 mmol), 2,3-dihydro-1H-indole (2.76 mL, 24.64 mmol), andEt₃N (11 mL, 79 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (90 mL) at 0° C. (bath temp). The icebath was removed, and the reaction was stirred at RT. After 30 min, thereaction was quenched by dropwise addition of saturated aq. NaHCO₃ (50mL). The layers were separated, and the reaction was washed with 10%citric acid (1×50 mL). The organic layer was concentrated under a streamof nitrogen, and the residue was purified by flash columnchromatography, giving 7.21 g (89%) of the title compound. LC-MS m/z 331(M+H)⁺, 1.05 (ret time).

Intermediate 6[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-ethyl-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]aminetrifluoroacetate

TFA (25 mL, 324 mmol) was added to a solution of 1,1-dimethylethyl[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-ethyl-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]carbamate(7.21 g, 21.82 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (25 mL). The reaction was stirred at RT.After 3.5 h, CH₂Cl₂ (200 mL) was added, and the reaction wasconcentrated under reduced pressure and dried under high vacuum. LC-MSm/z 231 (M+H)⁺, 0.69 (ret time).

Intermediate 7 1,1-dimethylethyl[4-({[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-ethyl-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}carbonyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl]carbamate

A solution of 50 wt % ®T3P in EtOAc (1.3 mL, 2.184 mmol) was addeddropwise to a solution of[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-ethyl-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]aminetrifluoroacetate (500 mg, 1.452 mmol),4-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-carboxylic acid (356mg, 1.452 mmol), and Et₃N (1 mL, 7.21 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) at 0° C.(bath temp). The ice bath was removed, and the reaction was stirred atRT. After 1 h 20 min, the reaction mixture was washed with saturated aq.NaHCO₃ (1×5 mL) and 10% citric acid (1×5 mL). The organic layer wasconcentrated under a stream of nitrogen, and the residue was purified byflash column chromatography, giving 251 mg (38%) of the title compound.LC-MS m/z 458 (M+H)⁺, 0.96 (ret time).

Intermediate 8N²-{[(1,1-dimethylethyl)oxy]carbonyl}-N¹-methyl-N¹-(methyloxy)-L-leucinamide

To a solution of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-leucine (3.00 g, 13.0 mmol)in THF (25.0 mL) was added 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (2.52 g, 15.6 mmol)portionwise over about 10 min. After stirring 1 h at RT, a solution ofN,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (1.39 g, 14.3 mmol) and DIPEA(2.49 mL, 14.3 mmol) in DMF (6.0 mL) was added. The reaction mixture wasstirred for 2.5 h at RT, followed by concentration in vacuo. The residuewas diluted with EtOAc (50 mL) and washed with 1 M aq. HCl (2×20 mL),saturated aq. NaHCO₃ (2×20 mL), and brine (20 mL). The organic layer wasdried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to afford thetitle compound (2.34 g, 66%) as a clear, colorless oil. LC-MS m/z 275(M+H)⁺, 1.17 min (ret time).

Intermediate 9 1,1-dimethylethyl [(1S)-1-formyl-3-methylbutyl]carbamate

To a solution of LiAlH₄ (0.356 g, 9.38 mmol) in Et₂O (20 mL) at 0° C.was added dropwise a solution ofN²-{[(1,1-dimethylethyl)oxy]carbonyl}-N¹-methyl-N¹-(methyloxy)-L-leucinamide(2.34 g, 8.53 mmol) in Et₂O (15 mL). The reaction mixture was stirredfor 30 min at 0° C. and quenched with EtOAc (6 mL) followed by 5% aq.potassium bisulfate (6 mL). The reaction mixture was washed with 1 M aq.HCl (2×10 mL), saturated aq. NaHCO₃ (2×10 mL), and brine (10 mL). Theorganic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuoto afford the title compound as a clear, colorless oil.

Intermediate 10 methyl(2E,4S)-4-({[(1,1-dimethylethyl)oxy]carbonyl}amino)-6-methyl-2-heptenoate

To a stirred solution of methyl (triphenylphosphoranylidene) acetate(3.42 g, 10.2 mmol) in Et₂O (25 mL) at RT was added a solution ofIntermediate 9 in Et₂O (15 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 15h at RT. The solid was removed by filtration and the solution wasconcentrated in vacuo. Purification via flash column chromatography(0-50% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (1.74 g, 75% over twosteps) as a clear, colorless oil. LC-MS m/z 272 (M+H)⁺, 1.22 min (rettime).

Intermediate 11(2E,4S)-4-({[(1,1-dimethylethyl)oxy]carbonyl}amino)-6-methyl-2-heptenoicacid

To a solution of methyl(2E,4S)-4-({[(1,1-dimethylethyl)oxy]carbonyl}amino)-6-methyl-2-heptenoate(5.00 g, 18.43 mmol) in THF (15 mL), MeOH (15.0 mL), and water (15 mL)was added LiOH (2.206 g, 92.00 mmol). After stirring for 2 h at RT, thereaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The reaction mixture wasacidified with 6 M aq. HCl to pH=5 and then extracted with EtOAc. Theorganic layer was washed with water, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, andconcentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound (4.7 g, 99%) as awhite semi-solid. LC-MS m/z 158 (M+H-Boc)⁺, 0.94 min (ret time).

Intermediate 12 1,1-dimethylethyl[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-(2-methylpropyl)-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]carbamate

To a solution of(2E,4S)-4-({[(1,1-dimethylethyl)oxy]carbonyl}amino)-6-methyl-2-heptenoicacid (4.70 g, 18.26 mmol) in DMF (30.0 mL) were added BOP reagent (8.08g, 18.26 mmol) and DIPEA (6.38 mL, 36.5 mmol). After stirring at RT for5 min, 2,3-dihydro-1H-indole (2.053 mL, 18.26 mmol) was added andstirring continued overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted withwater and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was washed with brine,dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, concentrated in vacuo and purified by flashcolumn chromatography (0-20% EtOAc/hexanes) to afford the title compound(4.83 g, 74%) as a white solid. LC-MS m/z 359 (M+H)⁺, 1.18 min (rettime).

Intermediate 13[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-(2-methylpropyl)-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]aminetrifluoroacetate

To a solution of 1,1-dimethylethyl[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-(2-methylpropyl)-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]carbamate(3.21 g, 8.95 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10.0 mL) was added TFA (10 mL, 130 mmol).The reaction mixture was stirred for 17.5 h at RT and then concentratedunder reduced pressure and dried under high vacuum to afford the titlecompound. LC-MS m/z 259 (M+H)⁺, 0.76 min (ret time).

Intermediate 14 1,1-dimethylethyl[4-({[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-(2-methylpropyl)-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}carbonyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl]carbamate

A solution of 50 wt % ®T3P in EtOAc (1.2 mL, 2.016 mmol) was addeddropwise to a solution of[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-(2-methylpropyl)-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]aminetrifluoroacetate (500 mg, 1.343 mmol),4-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-carboxylic acid (329mg, 1.343 mmol), and Et₃N (0.93 mL, 6.71 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) at 0° C.(bath temp). The ice bath was removed, and the reaction was stirred atRT. After 1 h 20 min, the reaction was washed with saturated aq. NaHCO₃(1×5 mL) and 10% citric acid (1×5 mL). The organic layer wasconcentrated under a stream of nitrogen, and the residue was purified byflash column chromatography, giving 204 mg (31%) of the title compound.LC-MS m/z 486 (M+H)⁺, 1.07 min (ret time).

Compounds of Formula (I) Example 14-amino-N-[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-ethyl-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-carboxamidehydrochloride

A solution of concentrated aq. HCl (0.23 mL, 2.76 mmol) was added to asolution of 1,1-dimethylethyl[4-({[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-ethyl-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}carbonyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl]carbamate(251 mg, 0.549 mmol) in isopropanol (2.5 mL). The reaction flask wasfitted with an air condenser, and the reaction mixture was heated to 65°C. (bath temp) for 1 h 45 min. The solvent was evaporated under reducedpressure. Water (5 mL) was added to the residue, and the mixture wasconcentrated under reduced pressure at 65° C. Water (2 mL) was added tothe residue, and the mixture was lyophilized, giving 193.3 mg (89%) ofthe title compound. LC-MS m/z 358 (M+H)⁺, 0.68 (ret time). ¹H NMR (400MHz, METHANOL-d₄) δ ppm 8.14 (br. s., 1H); 7.25 (d, J=7.03 Hz, 1H); 7.18(t, J=7.53 Hz, 1H); 7.02-7.09 (m, 1H); 6.83 (dd, J=15.18, 6.65 Hz, 1H);6.49 (d, J=14.8 Hz, 1H); 4.56 (d, J=7.28 Hz, 1H); 4.22 (br. s., 2H);3.95 (d, J=7.53 Hz, 1H); 3.88-3.94 (m, 1H); 3.71-3.78 (m, 2H); 3.23 (br.s., 2H); 2.39-2.46 (m, 2H); 1.79-1.86 (m, 2H); 1.75 (s, 1H); 1.72 (d,J=8.28 Hz, 1H); 1.00 (t, J=7.40 Hz, 3H).

Example 24-amino-N-[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-(2-methylpropyl)-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-carboxamidehydrochloride

A solution of concentrated aq. HCl (0.22 mL, 2.64 mmol) was added to asolution of 1,1-dimethylethyl[4-({[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-(2-methylpropyl)-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}carbonyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl]carbamate(251 mg, 0.517 mmol) in isopropanol (2.5 mL). The reaction flask wasfitted with an air condenser, and the reaction mixture was heated to 65°C. (bath temp). After 1 h 45 min, the solvent was evaporated underreduced pressure at 60° C. Water (5 mL) was added to the residue, andthe mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure at 65° C. Water (2mL) was added to the residue, and the mixture was lyophilized, giving130.6 mg (60%) of the title compound. LC-MS m/z 386 (M+H)⁺, 0.79 (rettime). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, METHANOL-d₄) δ ppm 8.15 (d, J=7.03 Hz, 1H); 7.25(d, J=7.03 Hz, 1H); 7.18 (t, J=7.65 Hz, 1H); 7.06 (t, J=7.91 Hz, 1H);6.81 (dd, J=15.18, 6.40 Hz, 1H); 6.49 (br. s., 1H); 4.73-4.85 (m, 2H);4.21 (t, J=8.28 Hz, 2H); 3.91-3.97 (m, 2H); 3.70-3.77 (m, 2H); 3.25-3.21(m, 2H); 2.35-2.48 (m, 2H); 1.82 (d, J=14.31 Hz, 2H); 1.63-1.71 (m, 2H);1.50-1.57 (m, 1H); 0.98 (dd, J=11.92, 6.40 Hz, 6H).

Biological Background:

Biological Assay(s)

The compounds according to Formula (I) are cathepsin C inhibitors, whichindirectly inhibit the activity of serine proteases that are activatedby cathepsin C, such as NE. The compounds according to Formula (I),therefore, are useful in the treatment of COPD and other conditionsinvolving cathepsin C and/or such serine proteases. The biologicalactivity of the compounds according to Formula (I) can be determinedusing any suitable assay for determining the activity of a candidatecompound as a cathepsin C inhibitor or for determining the ability of acandidate compound to prevent the cathepsin C mediated activation ofcertain serine proteases, as well as suitable tissue and in vivo models.

A. Transpeptidation of Leucine-Leucine-O-Methyl (LLOM) Cell-BasedLuminescence Viability Assay

Principle:

Cathepsin C has been shown to catalyze the transpeptidation ofdipeptidyl methyl-O-esters within the lysosomes of cells from themonocytic lineage such as HL60, U937 or THP1 causing a membranolyticeffect that results in cell death (D L. Thiele, P. Lipsky PNAS 1990 Vol.87, pp. 83-87). This mechanism was used to assess Cathepsin C in cellsactivity in the presence of the compounds of the invention.

Frozen HL-60 cells were resuspended at 1.25×10⁵ cells/mL in freshprewarmed Iscove's modified Dulbeccos' medium (IMDM, contains 25 mMglutamine) with 20% FBS. This suspension was dispensed (8 μL) into whitelow volume 384 well plates. Plates were previously stamped with 100 nLof compound at a top concentration of 2.5 mM and serially diluted 1:3.Control and blank wells contained 100 mL of DMSO. Each well thenreceived 2 μL of a fresh 1.25 mM solution of leucine-leucine-OMethyl(LLOM, Bachem) in IMDM plus 25 mM HEPES (final concentration LLOM 250μM). The plates were covered and incubated for 4 h at 37° C. in a 5% CO₂incubator, then removed and equilibrated to room temperature for 10 min.Cell viability was determined with a CellTiter-Glo luminescent assay(Promega) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cell viabilitywas compared to controls containing no LLOM (100%).

B. Recombinant Cathepsin C In Vitro Assay:

The activity of recombinant human cathepsin C was measured by thecleavage of a fluorogenic substrate, H-Ser-Tyr-AMC. Briefly, 24 pMcathepsin C was incubated with test compound (e.g. inhibitor) in abuffer consisting of 50 mM sodium acetate, 30 mM sodium chloride, 1 mMCHAPS, 1 mM dithiothreitol, 1 mM EDTA, pH 5.5 at room temperature forone hour. After one hour of incubating test compound with cathepsin C,the activity assay was initiated by the addition of an equal volume of0.010 mM H-Ser-Tyr-AMC in the same buffer. After one hour, the activityassay was stopped by the addition of ⅕ volume of 100 μM E-64. Thereaction product was measured on a fluorescence reader set at anexcitation wavelength of 360 nm and emission wavelength of 460 nm andequipped with a 400 nm dichroic mirror.

The compounds of Examples 1 and 2 each exhibited 50% cathepsin Cinhibition at a concentration of less than 1 nM in an average of twoexperiments.

C. Mouse Cigarette Smoke Exposure In Vivo Assay:

Mouse Cigarette Smoke Exposure and Drug Administration:

Beginning at 3-4 months of age, female C57BL/6 mice (Jackson Laboratory,Bar Harbor, Me.) received nose-only exposure to 4% cigarette smoke from3R4F cigarettes (College of Agriculture, Reference Cigarette Program,University of Kentucky), for 2 h/day, 5 days/week for 18 weeks. Smokewas generated by a Baumgartner-Jaeger CSM 2070i Smoking Machine (CHTechnologies Inc., Westwood, N.J.). During exposure to smoke or air(sham controls), mice were maintained in restraining tubes containingstainless steel nose cone inserts. Two hours following the final smokeexposure, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (n=3 per treatment group)was collected. During the final 6 weeks of the 18 week exposure, micewere administered drug or vehicle alone (1% methylcellulose/25 mMcitrate, pH 4.0) orally, twice daily (at 11 and 13 hour intervals), 7days/week. Sham-exposed mice received vehicle alone, while smoke-exposedmice received one of the following treatments: vehicle alone, theCompound of Example 1 at 1, 10 or 30 mg/kg, or the Compound of Example 2at 1, 10 or 30 mg/kg. Mice received the first daily dose of drug orvehicle alone up to 1 hour prior to the initiation of smoke/shamexposure.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage:

Animals were euthanized using i.p. injection of 0.1 ml Fatal Plus(Vortech Pharmaceuticals, Dearborn, Mich.) and the trachea cannulatedwith a 3-in. section of PE90 tubing (BD, Franklin Lakes, N.J.), to whichwas attached a blunted 21-gauge needle connected to a 3-way stopcock(Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, Ill.). Four 1 mL aliquots of ice cold PBSwere injected and removed sequentially through the tubing separately,and the BAL fluid centrifuged at 140×g for 2 min. Cell pellets isolatedfrom the four aliquots were combined and total cells counted using ahemocytometer. Differential cell analysis was performed on cytospinsusing Wright-Geimsa stain.

Statistical Analysis:

Data are presented in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 as the mean±S.E.M. Statisticalsignificance was determined using a one-way ANOVA with a Bonferronipost-test. Values of p<0.05 were considered significant. *, p<0.05; **,p<0.01; ***, p<0.001. Percent values shown indicate percent inhibitionof the window between vehicle-treated/smoke-exposed animals andvehicle-treated/sham-exposed animals.

The compounds of the invention are believed to be useful in therapy asdefined above and to not have unacceptable or untoward effects when usedin compliance with a permitted therapeutic regime.

The foregoing examples and assay have been set forth to illustrate theinvention, not limit it. What is reserved to the inventors is to bedetermined by reference to the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound which is4-amino-N-[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-(2-methylpropyl)-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-carboxamide,represented by the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. A compound which is4-amino-N-[(1S,2E)-4-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-1-yl)-1-(2-methylpropyl)-4-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-carboxamide,represented by the formula:


3. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises the compound or saltaccording to claim 1, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
 4. Apharmaceutical composition which comprises the compound according toclaim 2, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
 5. A process forpreparing the composition as defined in claim 3, the process comprisingmixing the compound or salt with the pharmaceutically acceptableexcipient.
 6. A process for preparing the composition as defined inclaim 4, the process comprising mixing the compound with thepharmaceutically acceptable excipient.